Oakdene is not the sort of place you expect to find on the outskirts of Ocean Grove. It’s a winery and a restaurant alongside a fantastic sculpture collection. It feels like it belongs on the Mornington Peninsula not on the Surf Coast.

The vineyards at Oakdene – they are also growing lavender alongside

I’m not complaining though about the increasing interest in food, wine and art over the other side of the heads. The grounds of Oakdene are scattered with whimsical and interesting sculptures and groupings of found objects like rusty old bikes which would be an eyesore individually but together are a thing of beauty. There are collections of old teapots and a tasting room that is designed to look like an upside down house. You can almost picture Dorothy emerging post tornado and clicking her red shoes together.

Beetroot and goats cheese starter

The food at Oakdene is equally innovative. The chef is Marty Chichester and his emphasis is on local and seasonal food. The locals secret is the “express” lunch menu of two courses for $35 available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It’s terrific value and my Mum took me there to try it out. Complimentary bread and olives began the meal. The crusty baguette was served warm with garlic and chive crème fraiche while the olives were slick with olive oil and dotted with tangy orange peel.

Pork, chicken and pistachio terrine

To start there was a tiny but delectable concoction of roasted circles of beetroot sandwiching a round of goats cheese. It was sweet and creamy with added crunch through some toasted pine nuts scattered on top. The more substantial offering was the pork, chicken and pistachio terrine. It was rustic and chunky. Served with sourdough bread it could have been a satisfying lunch in itself rather than just a starter.

Fish cake on samphire

Fat, bronzed and crumbed fishcake was made with snapper, a change from the usual salmon and potato combinations. The fish was wonderfully light and not filled out too much by the potato. It was served on a bed of tangy bright green samphire.

Roasted chat potatoes

A side of roasted chat potatoes (an additional $8 on top of the set menu) were crisp and crunchy with fluffy, soft insides. The stuff addictions are made from.

One of the garden sculptures

Service at Oakdene is excellent with well trained and attentive waiters. The sole hitch in proceedings was the limited wine selection. The only wines available by the glass are Oakdene’s own wines which seems a bit restrictive particularly as I was not sold on the chardonnay I tried. Still it’s a minor complaint for what was a lovely experience at a restaurant and setting that is bold enough to ask something of its diners.

Reading this in a freezing London, fingers barely thawing out as I type on my keyboard, this brought tears to my eyes (which could also be the cold…) I have always been a Bellarine Peninsula lad (Point Lonsdale to be exact) – so great to read about this place. I will continue to enjoy a vicarious Aussie summer through your blog posts.

No dessert as we were too full. I think that means a return visit is called for…

Glenda said at 1:55 am on May 10th, 2012:

What a great discovery!!! The service was impeccable. Staff gave helpful, efficient and unobtrusive service which is quite an art and can make or spoil a night out. The food was so well presented and equally tasty, thank you to your talented chef. I enjoyed Pork belly entree, duck main and coffee dessert….divine experience!!! The Oakdene shiraz was very ‘easy to drink’…maybe a little too good!I’m looking forward to returning to explore the ‘tipped over house’ winery, the gardens and quirkiness I saw with limited view in the dark. Wow!!! is all I can say….and thank you to the staff.